AlgebraStudy Notes

Worked Example 2: Verifying an Inverse

Part of Inverse FunctionsGCSE Mathematics

This study notes covers Worked Example 2: Verifying an Inverse within Inverse Functions for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Inverse Functions in Algebra for GCSE Mathematics with 8 exam-style questions and 4 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 5 of 6 in this topic. Use this study notes to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 5 of 6

Practice

8 questions

Recall

4 flashcards

Worked Example 2: Verifying an Inverse

f(x) = 4x + 1. Find f⁻¹(x) and verify it's correct.

Step 1 Find the inverse

y = 4x + 1

x = 4y + 1

x - 1 = 4y

y = (x - 1)/4

f⁻¹(x) = (x - 1)/4

Step 2 Verify with f(f⁻¹(x))

f(f⁻¹(x)) = f((x-1)/4)

= 4 × (x-1)/4 + 1

= (x-1) + 1 = x ✓

Step 3 Verify with f⁻¹(f(x))

f⁻¹(f(x)) = f⁻¹(4x + 1)

= ((4x + 1) - 1)/4

= 4x/4 = x ✓

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Inverse Functions. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Practice Questions for Inverse Functions

What does f⁻¹(x) represent?

  • A. The reciprocal of f(x), i.e. 1/f(x)
  • B. The function that undoes f(x)
  • C. The square of f(x)
  • D. The negative of f(x)
1 markfoundation

Explain why the function f(x) = x² (for all real x) does not have an inverse function over its full domain.

2 markshigher

Quick Recall Flashcards

What is an inverse function?
A function that undoes what the original function does. f⁻¹(x) reverses the operation of f(x)
What does f⁻¹ notation mean?
Inverse function (NOT 1/f). It's the function that undoes f, not the reciprocal

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